A throwback jersey is a sports jersey that replicates the jersey of a team or a player from the past. People love throwback jerseys because they remind the fan, regardless of age, of the golden age of their favorite time and team. Sports legends are honored with a throwback jersey for the time while they were at their playing prime.

A team throwback jersey reminds the fans of a year or era when their team was on the top of the standings. Buying a throwback jersey of a player who used to play on a particular team but who has since been traded to a different team seems to be especially popular, perhaps because it conjures up a bit of sports nostalgia.

Part of the appeal of the throwback jersey is its retro look. The jerseys are fashioned of the style, design and color scheme of the team during a particular time period. Their seemingly out-of-fashion look makes them just that - fashionable. The music industry has been partially responsible for the popularity of the throwback jersey; many recording artists have worn them on their videos, making them fresh and appealing to the crossover lovers of both music and sports.

Fans can buy a throwback jersey for many different U.S. sports teams or individuals; football, baseball, hockey, and basketball throwback jerseys are especially popular. In addition to being able to purchase a throwback jersey, sports enthusiasts can also buy retro caps, hats, uniforms and warm up jackets. Sports apparel manufacturers are finding a strong market for the throwback jersey. By some estimates, as much as 20% of the NBA apparel sales come from the sale of throwback jerseys.

Besides being trendy, many collectors buy a particularly popular throwback jersey as an investment. Some of the most desirable player or team throwback jerseys fetch up to hundreds of dollars - and the expectation is that the market value will continue to climb in the years to come. Whether as an investment, or simply as an homage to a favorite player or team, the purchase of an throwback jersey shows everyone around you that you have great sports - and fashion - sense.

Definition from wisegeek.com

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